Kauffman Stadium Information

Kauffman Stadium is located in Kansas City, Missouri and is home to the Kansas City Royals. It is part of the Truman Sports Complex along with Arrowhead Stadium. Kauffman Stadium is the ninth oldest stadium in major league baseball opening, in April of 1973.

The Kansas City Royals were purchased as an expansion team by Ewing Kauffman in 1968. The team played for four years in Kansas City Municipal Stadium and then Kauffman opened Royals Stadium now known as Kauffman Stadium. Royals Stadium hosted its first Major League Baseball All-Star game on July 24, 1973 and in October of 1976 the Royals competed in their first postseason game in franchise history losing to the Yankees 4-1 at Royals Stadium in the 1976 ALCS. The Royals had their first postseason win in Royals Stadium in their next game winning 6-3. On October 17, 1980 the first World Series game held in Kansas City featured the Royals against the Phillies. The Royals would go on to record their first World Series win 4-3 in 10 innings, however they ended up losing the Series that year in six games.

On October 11, 1985 in the 1985 American League Championship Series, George Brett had a game for history. Brett hit two home runs off of Blue Jays pitcher Alexander and made a back-handed stop at third base to throw out a runner at home and record the final out to give the Royals a needed 6-5 win. They went on to win the American League pennant in seven games. On October 27, 1985 the Royals clinched their first World Series in franchise history, winning game 7 in Royals Stadium! They were led in pitching by Bret Saberhagen, Daryl Motley's two run home run, and George Brett's four hits-they beat the St. Louis Cardinals 11-0. The Royals were the first team in the history of the World Series to lose the first two games of the series at home and come back to win!

On July 2, 1993, Royals Stadium was renamed Kauffman Stadium in honor of Ewing Kauffman, who died the following month at 76.

Kauffman Stadium was approved for improvements on April 4, 2006 when voters approved a 3/8 percent sales tax increase to fund plans to renovate the Truman Sports Complex. The construction is planned to begin in 2008 and projected to be completed by 2010 depending on costs. The team committed to a lease that will keep them in Kansas City until 2030.

Some improvements at the "new K" are:

A 360 degree concourseBullpens to left and right field foul lines1,500 new fountain view seats in left fieldStructural modifications/improvementsMore fan amenities like restrooms, concessions, retail, concession & retail storage areasNew ticket officesRenovated press boxRenovated and expanded suitesBetter access to all levels w/ more elevators and escalators

Kauffman Stadium will host the MLB All-Star game sometime between 2011-2014. As part of this every Jackson county residential address will receive vouchers good for two tickets per taxpayer at Royals games on certain nights!

WeatherKansas City is traditionally hot in August and September. Rain is not much of a threat, thanks to the excellent drainage system installed for use with the late, unlamented AstroTurf. It's so effective that it leaves the grass field dry in no time, resulting in fewer postponed games.

ParkingThe stadium has 22,000 parking spaces available, more than enough to handle a sell-out crowd. Stadium parking prices: $9.00 for cars/motorcycles, $11.00 for oversized vehicles, and $15.00 for buses. Traffic moves swiftly on and off the nearby freeway. .

DirectionsFrom the North or South: Head into Kansas City on I-435 and take exit 63B-Sports Complex.From the East or West: Head into Kansas City on I-70 and take exit #9-Blue Ridge Cutoff/Sports Complex.

TipsPrepare for the weather, it could change Know how to get to and from the stadium Arrive early Obtain a parking pass whenever possible Remember which parking lot you are in Bring some extra cash DON’T forget your tickets!